On June 1, a jury in Waldo County Superior Court in Belfast found Northfield resident Thomas Bonfanti, 65, guilty on three counts of murder, one count of aggravated attempted murder and one count of elevated aggravated assault in a shooting spree that occurred in the Machias area on February 3, 2020. Bonfanti was later apprehended without incident at the American Legion Post #9 in Machias that same day.
      Killed were Shawn Currey, 57, and Jennifer Bryant Flynn, 49, both of Machias, and Samuel Powers, 33, of Jonesboro. Regina Hall Long, also of Machias, now 51, was shot several times, survived and was a key witness for the prosecution.
      A member of the American Legion post for many years, Bonfanti was also a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the last year of the Vietnam War, stationed overseas in Germany. Bonfanti spent a lot of time at the legion, was their historian and at one time served as adjutant for membership, but he lost that position because he was not keeping up with his duties.
      From his opening statement, which Bonfanti delivered to the court himself, he claimed the four shootings were either accidental or in self-defense and that those he shot were "drug addicts." During questioning, Bonfanti stated he went to speak to the victims about rumors that he was involved in embezzling funds from the legion and that that is when things went wrong. None of the victims were members of Post #9.
      According to Bonfanti's defense attorney, Jeffrey Toothaker, Bonfanti insisted on being involved in his defense, so much so, Toothaker says, that the extent of his client's involvement was the first he has ever seen in a jury trial. "We presented the case the way he requested," says Toothaker. "He participated fully in all decisions along the way, did his own opening, which I've never seen done, and participated in all sidebar discussions, which again I've never seen done. He declined jury instructions for lesser included charges, so he was fully invested in his defense."
      Assistant Attorney General Robert Ellis, who prosecuted the case, felt from the beginning that the evidence against Bonfanti was strong and compelling. He was on record after the court adjourned indicating that the defense of shooting two people at one location by accident and then driving minutes later to another and shooting two more people in self defense is "utter nonsense."
      "The alleged embezzlement had nothing to do with the shootings," said Ellis. He went on to posit that the motive for the shooting spree remains a mystery, that there were a number of theories that were never completely laid out in court, but that in the end all that matters is that "three horrific murders were committed."
      Toothaker indicates he does not know when sentencing will occur, but he says that it will take place in Machias. Concerning an appeal by Bonfanti, Toothaker says, "He truly felt his actions were accidental and/or in self defense. I am sure he will want to file an appeal."
      Bonfanti is currently being held in the Washington County Jail in Machias awaiting sentencing. A single conviction for murder in Maine carries a penalty of 25 years to life in prison. Class A crimes such as aggravated attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Charges for embezzlement
      A major piece of Bonfanti's defense was the issue of the missing funds from the legion. During testimony from a number of legion members it was revealed that Bonfanti was worried he would be blamed for the theft. Bonfanti also said during testimony he believed the money was being used for drugs.
      Regarding those stolen funds, a former bookkeeper for the legion is scheduled to appear in court on June 13. Mary Tinker was indicted on a Class B felony theft charge and originally pled not guilty to that charge last year. The penalty for a Class B felony is up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
      Tinker is believed to have embezzled close to $14,000 from the legion between August 2018 and October 2019, according to court documents. Tinker is being represented by Bangor defense attorney Benjamin Fowler and is anticipated to change her plea to either guilty or no contest.

Legion to continue its mission
      Given the conviction of Bonfanti and a pending trial of another former Post #9 member, legion officers are looking to move on and continue a mission they have been doing since 1919 -- giving back to veterans and the communities they live in.
      "I cannot really comment on what happened two years ago nor can I talk about what is occurring now with the charges against Mary Tinker, both of those situations are out of our control," says Post Commander Brian Smith. "What I can say is we will continue doing what we always do and that is supporting our veterans. We must move forward and we will." Smith has been a Post #9 member for 20 years and has been the legion's post commander for the past three years.
      Nationally, the American Legion is an integral part of veterans' lives. From large cities to the smallest of towns, legion posts provide much needed services and support to veterans and their families. Locally, Legion Post #9 is all about helping veterans through community events and partnerships and lends direct assistance to Maine Veterans' Home in Machias and has recently started a new relationship with Arise Addiction Recovery.
      "As 2nd vice commander of Post #9, I am happy to announce that Post #9 is donating $1,500 to Arise in Machias to support alcohol and drug addiction recovery," says Arthur Hill. "This support will continue each year, and it will, hopefully, increase yearly." Arise Director Paul Trovarello "brought two veterans who are in the Arise program to a Post #9 board meeting. One had served in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan." The legion plans to increase their annual donation to Arise by $500 each year.